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James McAvoy was praised for his performance in Split – but some weren’t happy with what the character represented

“Numerous films appeared that depicted killers as crazed maniacs, which simultaneously frightened audiences and stigmatised people with mental health issues as being violent and dangerous,” says Morris.

‘More negative attitudes to mental health’

This week sees the return of the classic One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest to cinemas.

The film, which won the Best Picture Oscar in 1976, follows Jack Nicholson’s psychosis-faking convict as he is admitted to a psychiatric hospital.

Louise Fletcher as Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Photo: Getty)

There, he finds a far more oppressive and uncaring regime than he bargained for.

With bullying Nurse Ratched as its dictatorial authority figure, the movie paints a bleak picture of mental health treatment.

Morris acknowledges it is “fascinating”, but has mixed feelings about the film.

“It deals with important topics in the history of psychiatry. Particularly the controversial role of institutionalisation in the care of people with chronic mental illness,” he says.

“However, some of its narratives, particularly surrounding electroconvulsive therapy, have left lasting stigma in the field. I’m still early in my training, but I’ve already spoken with a number of patients who have expressed hesitation about mental health treatment because of the film.

“Some research supports the notion that the film has led to more negative attitudes towards mental illness and healthcare.”

Capturing the realities

Morris does feel that – overall – depictions of mental illness in movies have been slowly improving.

He points to Oscar-winner A Beautiful Mind as a nuanced example, and is also a fan of Jeff Nichols’ acclaimed cult picture Take Shelter.

Thought-provoking drama: Michael Shannon in Take Shelter

In that film, Michael Shannon’s protagonist becomes obsessed with building an extravagant bunker after he has visions of a coming apocalyptic storm.

“It deals with important issues in mental healthcare,” says Morris. “Scarcity in providers, expenses of medications, and the stigma associated with mental health diagnoses.

“I think we’re starting to see more films that attempt to capture the realities of mental illness and mental healthcare, rather than sensationalising these health conditions for narrative purposes.”

Michael Clayton: one of Morris’s favourite portrayals

“I’m amazed at how similar Tom Wilkinson’s language and speech sounds compared to patients whom I’ve cared for with mania in the past.

“The character is also a high-profile lawyer who happens to suffer from bipolar disorder, which highlights the universality of these conditions.”

Why it matters

Movies reach huge global audiences, and so can exert a powerful influence on the attitudes and opinions of those who watch them.

Morris refers to a study which showed that college students came to perceive mental illness more negatively after viewing One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.

Filmmakers can, he argues, exert a positive influence rather than a negative one.

“I think Hollywood can play a key role in the battle against mental health stigma.

“Patients, families, and healthcare providers can speak up and talk about these issues. But our influence pales in comparison to the reach of Hollywood films.

“Millions of people watch movies every year. How audiences see mental illness on the screen influences how the public views these conditions.”

Everyday experiences on screen

Films that deal more realistically with mental illness – such as the new R.D. Laing film Mad to Be Normal – could, Morris believes, promote openness and awareness about these issues.

More relatable protagonists would also help.

“I’d like to see more films that focus on everyday people who experience mental health issues,” he explains.

David Tennant as the radical psychiatrist R.D. Laing in new film Mad to Be Normal

“What’s it like to take lithium for the first time? How does it feel to be hospitalised for suicidal thoughts? What does it look like when a patient struggles to get mental healthcare covered by insurance?

“These kinds of questions might not only provide compelling narratives, but also more accurate storylines that normalise experiences shared by a large portion of the public.

“As I’ve gone through my medical training and decided to specialise in mental healthcare, I’ve realised that openness is one of the most important approaches to tackling the stigma against mental illness.”

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